Fitting wall tiles requires careful preparation, precise marking, and the right approach to achieve a flawless finish. Taking time to plan ensures tiles are properly centred, cuts remain a comfortable size, and features are positioned correctly. Good preparation prevents mistakes and allows for last-minute adjustments before installation begins.
Preparation
The surface must be clean, flat, dry, and free from dust or residues that could affect tile adhesion. Any irregularities can impact the final finish, making it essential to smooth or level the wall before tiling.
Certain tile types, such as natural stone and terracotta, may contain moisture from manufacturing, causing them to appear darker. Allowing these tiles to dry before installation prevents colour inconsistencies. If drying them beforehand isn’t possible, expect an extended drying time after fitting.
Glass and agglomerate tiles react more to temperature changes than other tile materials. Storing them in the installation room before fitting allows them to adjust. Glass tiles need at least 24 hours, while agglomerate tiles require 48 hours. Stacking agglomerate tiles flat, rather than on their edges, prevents warping.
Inspection
Before fitting wall tiles, inspect them for any chips or flaws. Reserving any imperfect tiles for cuts ensures the final installation looks seamless. Mixing tiles from multiple boxes helps blend shades evenly, avoiding noticeable colour variations.
Confirming the tile quantity before installation prevents delays. Running out of tiles mid-project can result in mismatched replacements from different batches. Keeping extra tiles on hand allows for easy replacements in the future.
Handling tiles carefully is essential, as many remain fragile before installation.
Marking Out
Using two straight wooden battens helps create a structured layout. To determine the starting point, mark a horizontal line at the height of one tile and a grout joint above the floor or skirting board.
Make a guide ruler by marking tile and grout widths along the length of a wooden bar. Measure the wall’s width to find the centre, then mark tile and grout widths from this point. Vertical feature lines should also be accounted for if they differ from the main tile widths.
Starting from the last full tile on the horizontal line, use a plumb line to draw a vertical guideline. Mark tile spacing along this line to establish where the last full tile will finish. If the remaining space at the top of the wall leaves a small tile cut, adjust the horizontal starting line. Ensuring balanced tile cuts at the top and bottom creates a cleaner and more professional look.
Fixing Tiles
Once the layout is confirmed, secure two wooden battens to the wall. Attach one along the horizontal guideline and the other vertically at 90 degrees to the first. These provide a stable starting point when fitting wall tiles.
On waterproofed walls, battens cannot be mechanically fixed, as screws or nails could puncture the waterproof membrane and cause leaks. Instead, follow the marked guidelines without securing battens in place.
As tiles are installed and adhesive sets, the horizontal batten can be repositioned along the wall for continued guidance. After fixing all whole tiles, measure and cut any remaining pieces to complete the installation.
Careful planning, precise marking, and proper preparation ensure a high-quality finish when fitting wall tiles. If you need expert advice on materials or layout, contact us to discuss your project.
